Engineers in Japan will carry out a series of spacecraft, rocket and weather-related tests over the next few days before the launch of the UAE’s Hope spacecraft in less than two weeks.
Already fuelled and ready to be placed in the fairing – an external structure that protects the spacecraft while on the rocket – Hope will be mounted on the H-IIA rocket next week.
Suhail AlDhafri, the deputy project manager of the mission and spacecraft lead, described what the launch day at Japan’s Tanegashima Space Centre will be like. He is one of about 15 other engineers who are on ground at the launch site, preparing for the lift off that will take place at 12.51am, UAE time, on July 15.
Weather and spacecraft checks
One of the most critical factors that will determine whether the launch will go ahead will be the weather conditions on the humid subtropical island.
“We cannot predict the launch weather from today, but we will be reviewing the weather three days before launch,” said Mr AlDhafri during a virtual press conference on Thursday.
On launch day, an hourly weather and spacecraft check will be carried out to ensure the lift off will be on time.
There are several weather tracking satellites across Japan, as well as on the Tanegashima island that track weather conditions.
The biggest one on the island is located about a five-minute drive away from the lift off site.
The Emirati engineers will be stationed at the control room centre on the island to monitor the launch.
They have used Japan’s launch facility before in 2018 for the KhalifaSat satellite.
Rocket roll out
The rocket is verticalized – the lift off position – ahead of time and is rolled out onto the launch pad in that manner.
It takes 30 minutes for the rocket to be transported to the lift off pad. The slow movement is to ensure the safety of the launch vehicle and spacecraft.
Responding to a question by The National, Mr AlDhafri said: "One day before the launch, there will be a weather, spacecraft and launch vehicle test. If these things are a go, then we will start moving the rocket from the assembly building to the launch point."
Project is in ‘launch campaign’ stage
The mission has reached the final stage before the lift off, which is when the spacecraft and launch vehicle are prepared for the big day.
Omran Al Sharaf, the project manager of the mission, said they reached a key milestone, as the spacecraft has been fuelled with 700 kgs of hydrogen.
“We are getting closer to the launch of the Emirates Mars Mission’s Hope probe,” he said.
“Throughout the launch campaign, there were different tests that took place – checking the batteries, solar panels status, scientific instruments and the overall command and communication subsystems we have.”
The spacecraft will be routinely checked until lift-off.
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
Usain Bolt's time for the 100m at major championships
2008 Beijing Olympics 9.69 seconds
2009 Berlin World Championships 9.58
2011 Daegu World Championships Disqualified
2012 London Olympics 9.63
2013 Moscow World Championships 9.77
2015 Beijing World Championships 9.79
2016 Rio Olympics 9.81
2017 London World Championships 9.95
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
